The Planning Commission consists of seven members, appointed by the City Council for terms of four years each. Resolution No. 14823, passed by voters as Measure "E" on November 6, 2007, specified that sections of the City Charter be amended to extend the terms of office of City Planning Board Members from three (3) to four (4) years. The new terms of office will come into effect for all subsequent appointees. Members serve without compensation and cannot hold any other public office or position in the City while serving as members of the Commission.

Duties and responsibilities of the Planning Commission are:

To exercise all powers and duties granted to it by ordinance or resolution of the City Council;

To recommend to the City Council, for adoption, a comprehensive long-term general plan for the physical development of the City;

To exercise such additional powers and duties as may be provided for by such general laws of the State of California as are not in conflict with local procedures.

The Commission also plays a role in the administration of the City Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.

The Commission reviews and acts upon the following:

General Plan and General Plan amendments.

Neighborhood and specific area plans.

Environmental impact reports and negative declarations.

Tentative subdivision maps.

Planned Development permit applications for developments of one acre or more.

Appeals from actions taken by the Planning Director or the Sub-division Committee regarding applications for minor subdivisions.

Subdivision Ordinance exceptions.

Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance amendments.

Special studies and reports.

The Commission regularly meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, but may hold additional meetings.